As we celebrate Thanksgiving — the most American of all holidays — I believe that we have much to be thankful for in our school district. When I visit with teachers, work with other district staff, or review student performance data, I see a district full of individuals who go above the basic requirements of their jobs to enable students to better reach their potential. I am reminded daily of the many positive activities occurring throughout the district and the many ways that staff meet the needs of students and make learning an essential part of their lives. School concerts, athletic events, classroom activities, the after-school programs, student governance and educational field trips show evidence of a district that encompasses much more than rote learning in a classroom setting.
As we look towards the future, whether through the lens of the Gateway 2025 Visioning Process, or through GTAC’s Task Force on Sustainability, it becomes evident—given the differing visions between some constituents of what constitutes a good education—that a common set of priorities is needed. Whether this is doing well on standardized testing using the Common Core, or on educating the whole child and ensuring that 21st Century skills (collaboration, innovation, information, media, and technology skills, as well as social and leadership skills) are part of the complete educational offering, or valuing lower per pupil costs over expanding student opportunities, these choices will become critical in positioning the district to succeed in its mission.
During these processes much will be reviewed, analyzed, and discussed. Although not every change that is considered will be adopted, the information and skills acquired in reviewing such items will prove useful in seeking to improve the delivery of education to our children. Those who are adamantly opposed to change have not been, and will not be, happy to know that change is a constant in today’s world. While some change is certainly unwelcome (think of the recent changes in the world brought about through terrorism or the drop in income for the poorest people in the world – in 1990 the poorest third had 3 percent of the income, in 2014 the poorest 70 percent had only 3 percent of the income), other change is positive (looking at the “State of the Village Report” from 1990 to 2014 for example shows a drop in substandard housing from 80 percent to 23 percent and the illiteracy rate among adults has dropped from 50 percent to 22 percent). In the bigger scheme of things, all of us in the hilltowns live in relative splendor compared to many people, particularly the ever-increasing number of refugees throughout the world.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who continues to support public education in general and the Gateway district in particular. I appreciate the many positives in this district, the opportunities that lie ahead, and the ability to work with the community to improve upon our past successes. I hope that each of us is able to reflect on his or her blessings and are able to see the silver lining in their own storm clouds. Despite the uncertainty that the world faces on a regular basis in almost every aspect of life, it is important to remember the positives in life—family, friends, faith and community are just a few items that readily come to mind.
